Kindergarten Readiness Checklist

In the state of Arizona, a child is eligible for admission to kindergarten if the child is 5 years of age by August 31st. However, age is only one factor in determining kindergarten readiness. Social, emotional, cognitive and physical development should also be taken into account. The following list will give you an idea of the necessary skills a child should have mastered in order to receive the greatest benefit from his/her kindergarten experience.

Social & Emotional DevelopmentLanguage

Use words instead of being physical when angry

Listen to stories without interrupting

Follow two-step directions

Ask for help when necessary

Pay attention for short periods of time to adult-directed tasks

Stay with an activity to completion

Initiate and sustain appropriate play withother children

Begin to share with others and understand her/him taking turns

Comply with rules, limits, and Academic routines

Be able to recognize authority

Interact appropriately with adults

Respect the rights, property, and feelings of others

Begin to control themselves

Dress themselves(button shirts, pants, coat)

Manage bathroom needs independently

Separate from parents for extended periodtime

Attempt new tasks knowing it’s okay to make mistakes

Language

Speak in complete sentences of 5-6 words

Use descriptive language

Sign and/or recite rhymes

Pretend, create and make-up songs and stories

Talk about everyday experiences

Tell or retell stories

Enjoy having books read to him/her

Ask questions

Verbally and appropriately responds to a topic

Express his/her ideas so others can understand him/her

Academics

Look at pictures and then tell stories

Identify some alphabet letters

Count to 10

Correctly count at least 3 objects

Identify own first name in writing

Attempt to print own first name

Recognize and identify 5 colors

Understand concepts such as in/out, under/on, on/off, front/back

Participate in art and music activities

Know her/him body parts (head, shoulders, knees, etc.)

Draw a picture of her/himself including head, body arms and legs

Use words like bigger, smaller, or heaviest

Motor Skills

Hold scissors correctly

Holds a pencil, crayon or marker properly

Put together a 10-12 piece puzzle

Ride a tricycle

Run, jump, and skip

Walk backwards

Arizona Immunization Requirements

Students must have proof of all required immunizations, or a valid exemption, in order to attend school. Arizona law allows exemptions for medical reasons, lab evidence of immunity, and personal beliefs. Exemption forms are available from schools and at www.azdhs.gov.

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